U.S. mulls deploying MD system in S. Korea: USFK chief

Published : 2014-06-03 10:45
Updated : 2014-06-03 10:45

The United States is considering deploying an advanced missile defense system (MD) in South Korea to counter the evolving threats by North Korea, the chief of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) said Tuesday.

Media reports have said the U.S. has conducted a site survey in the South for possible locations for a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, though no final decision has been made.

"I recommended the deployment of the THAAD missiles to South Korea," USFK commander Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti said in a lecture in Seoul.

Facing "North Korea's evolving threats, this system will provide a greater sense of security" and boost interoperability, said Scaparrotti, who doubles as the commander of South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command.

Stressing that the recommendation is now in the initial stage of its consideration, he said the final decision will be made after close discussions with South Korea.

THAAD is designed to shoot down short, medium and intermediate ballistic missiles at a higher altitude in their terminal phase, using a hit-to-kill method. (Yonhap)